The Guru’s been chomping at the bit all
week and has really sunk his teeth into the form, dissecting every match for
our punting pleasure. He’s bracing himself for some tooth and nail struggles
but with any luck his Macleans will be showing Sunday evening after a
successful round. These tips are
definitely worth a nibble!
Suggested Bets:
2 units Parramatta
Eels -4.0 @2.00
2 units Brisbane
Broncos +10.5 @2.00
2 units Gold Coast
Titans +10.5 @2.00
2 units Wests
Tigers +6.5 @2.00
2 units Canterbury
Bulldogs +2.5 @2.00
2 units North Qld
Cowboys +8.5 @2.00
2 units Parra/Souths
Win Multi @2.25
NRL Round 15 Match Previews
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm
Assessed Line: Eels -6.5
Ladbrokes: Eels -4.0
Very intriguing match to open round 15.
It’s no secret the Eels have been struggling of late. They now face a second
straight short turnaround (5 days, then 6 days) and have won only 2 of their
past 10 against Melbourne (beaten by a staggering combined 96 points to 10 in
2019). However, they have the benefit of playing at “fortress Parra” with a
full strength squad against a VERY weakened Storm outfit, not only missing
their “twin Cam” engine but the wheels have now fallen off with Hughes in doubt, Finucane, Vunivalu
injured and Bromwich suspended. Eels are great value.
Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks
Assessed Line: Panthers -8.5
Ladbrokes: Panthers -9.5
What an outstanding Friday night clash!
Penrith continue their sublime run of form with 9 consecutive wins – trying to predict
their inevitable loss is now proving a little tricky. Meanwhile, the Sharks have won 4 of their last 5 since being
demolished by the Panthers in round 9 and they will be keen to exact revenge after
leaking an embarrassing 56 points in that match. No meat on the bone to bet but will be a brilliant game to watch.
Brisbane Broncos vs StGeorge/Ill
Dragons
Assessed Line: Broncos +5.5
Ladbrokes: Broncos +10.5
Two of this seasons most disappointing
teams go head to head in a Friday night fizzer. Saints are likely to face a
huge let-down after their impressive farewell performance for outgoing coach
McGregor and against any other team this week would most likely get beaten.
However, the rabble that is the Broncos continues. Following another abysmal
scoreless second half last week, further injuries and suspensions have made
things even worse! However, the
line is just too big not to bet and the Broncos back at Suncorp Stadium have
sucked me in again.
Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders
Assessed Line: Titans +8.5
Ladbrokes: Titans +10.5
Last year’s surprise
packets (and eventual Grand Final runners up) Canberra play a team who many
believe will be next year’s big improvers and may push for a similar berth.
Both sides are playing well but unfortunately the Titans are missing two of
their big guns up front (lacking a bit of bite, you could say) and at this
stage may not be up to the class of their opposition. However at home they
represent some value at the big plus.
Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters
Assessed Line: Tigers +4.5
Ladbrokes: Tigers +6.5
It’s fair to say, the
Tigers got away with one last week against the Bulldogs and have been in poor
form lately. Ominously, they have only won 1 of their past 14 against the Roosters
and that was a narrow 10-8 victory. However, smarting from a huge injury toll,
the Roosters have been struggling also and for them are in a definite slump.
Energised by a return to Leichhardt (where they demolished the Broncos 48-0)
and basically playing their Grand Final, I think the Tigers will make this
close enough to have a small wager.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea
Eagles
Assessed Line: Rabbitohs -8.0
Ladbrokes: Rabbitohs -7.5
The Rabbitohs have
been travelling under the radar recently, beating the teams below them, and are
now on a handy 3 game winning streak. They face a desperate Manly side (who’ve
been desperate for about 6 weeks now!) decimated by a crippling injury toll.
After a brutal loss last week, I’m not sure if they can lift again to beat the
Rabbitohs who should rack up four in a row and keep sneaking along nicely.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand
Warriors
Assessed Line: 1.90 each of two
Ladbrokes: Bulldogs +2.5
We’ve reached that
time of the season where the current wooden spoon team always finds a way to
win. In this case, it’s the Bulldogs who will be desperate to lift themselves
off the bottom of the ladder. They have shown improved form lately and welcome
back Hopoate and Averillo plus Lewis named in the reserves. The Warriors have
also shown improved form lately but with little to play for I can’t have them
favourites. Something on the Bulldogs at the price in this one.
Newcastle Knights vs North Qld
Cowboys
Assessed Line: Knights -6.5
Ladbrokes: Knights -8.5
A very tricky clash to
end round 15. Ironically, the Cowboys haven’t won a game since they beat the
Knights in round 7 but in those 7 straight losses they’ve been somewhat
competitive. This week they field their strongest team in that period and face
a solid (but weakened) Knights side who have struggled with consistency all
year. Much like last weekends Sunday games I expect this to go right down to
the wire. The Cowboys represent a value bet to finish off a busy punting round.
Good luck and great punting,
Punt Club NRL Guru